Communications

Master of Science in Communications

A minimum of 36 credits is required to complete the master’s degree program, including 24 credits of required coursework, as listed below. The remaining 12 credits may be selected, with the adviser’s approval, from the elective courses provided in the program. Candidates who wish to pursue a thesis may do so upon approval by the graduate committee. Up to 6 credits of related graduate work from an accredited institution may be transferred with approval of the candidate’s adviser, if the course grade is B or better and if the work was completed no more than three years before the request for transfer of credit.

Normally, full-time students can complete the 36-credit program in three semesters or in two semesters and two summer sessions. Applicants interested in part-time study are also invited. All coursework must be completed within six years of matriculation into the program.

Required Courses -- 24 credits

COMM 50100

Designing Communication Strategies

COMM 50300

Theoretical Foundations

COMM 50500

Visual Design and Organizational Media

COMM 53000

Communication Campaigns

COMM 53500

Workplace Learning and Performance

COMM 64100

Managing Corporate Communication and Training

COMM 64300

Research Methods in Communication

COMM 68000

Seminar: Theory in Practice

Elective Courses -- 12 credits

COMM 51000/51100

Contemporary Topics

COMM 60500

Organizational Media Production

COMM 61000

Organizational Culture and Diversity

COMM 62000

Communication Technology and Policy

COMM 63000

Corporate Communication Media

COMM 63100

Crisis Communication

COMM 63500

E-Learning

COMM 63600

Online Learning and Collaboration

COMM 65000/65100

Independent Study

COMM 66000/66100

Internship

COMM 69000/69100

Thesis

Pass/Fail Option

Degree candidates must take all courses that count toward the master of science in communications degree, whether required or elective, for a letter grade. The only exceptions are internships, which are offered only on a pass/fail basis.

Thesis Option

The thesis option is designed for students who wish to pursue theoretical or applied inquiry and make an original contribution to knowledge in the field of communications. Students must receive approval from the communications graduate committee and show evidence of a detailed plan as well as mastery of the skills, tools, and concepts needed to conduct the proposed study. Upon approval by the graduate committee, the student selects, with the chair’s approval, a thesis adviser and two additional committee members, who then evaluate the thesis proposal. An oral defense of the thesis is required. The thesis process is described in greater detail in the Graduate Program in Communications Thesis Guidelines, available from the graduate program chair.Students enrolled in the thesis option who have completed all coursework except the thesis will be required to enroll in at least 1 credit of thesis each semester until they finish their degree. Students should work with their program adviser to plan an appropriate course and credit schedule. For international students this schedule will be reflected in the immigration paperwork.